Batam is no longer just a transit point or industrial hub. It is fast becoming one of Indonesia’s most dynamic tourism magnets. As foreign visitor numbers surged by over 11% from 2024 to early 2025, the city has proven it’s not only ready for international attention but thriving in it. Tourists from neighboring Singapore and Malaysia still dominate the influx, but the city’s appeal has broadened far beyond regional boundaries.
This upward trend is pushing Batam to reinvent itself. No longer defined solely by ferry terminals and duty-free malls, the city now pulses with a vibrant 24-hour lifestyle. Whether it’s beach clubs that rival Bali’s, nightclubs packed till dawn, amusement parks for families, or aesthetic cafés dotting the skyline—Batam is catering to every crowd. Its diversity of experiences, both day and night, now positions it alongside Southeast Asia’s leading urban destinations.
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One area reflecting this change most vividly is Bengkong, especially the beachfront stretch of Bengkong Laut. Long overlooked, this coastal neighborhood has undergone a swift transformation into a culinary and entertainment hotspot. According to the Batam chapter of the Real Estate Indonesia Regional Representative Council (DPD REI), Bengkong’s rapid growth has been fueled by premium leisure facilities that are drawing both residents and tourists in large numbers.
New beach clubs like Blue Fire, Atlantic, and Level Up now set the tone in Bengkong Laut. “Tourists no longer need to leave the city to enjoy the modern beach club atmosphere like in Bali,” said Batam Tourism Office Head, Ardiwinata, in a written statement on Monday, May 2, 2025.
Batam’s evolution is not limited to lifestyle destinations alone. The city has also been officially designated a “creative city,” regularly hosting cultural and artistic festivals that enhance its identity. Events like Batam Batik Fashion Week, Wonderful Art Ramadan, and traditional heritage celebrations have become part of the city’s annual rhythm.
Given Batam’s consistent place among the top three most visited cities in Indonesia, Ardiwinata is confident that the city’s creative economy will play an increasingly vital role. He believes it will not only strengthen the local tourism scene but also deepen Batam’s identity on the national and international stage.
